Chiari and pregnancy

[jessica537]

I recently (last month) went to my general Dr. for unexplained headaches (never suffered before), and dizzy spells.  I am 32 years old.  Being a military spouse, we move a lot,and I was told that it sounds like allergies, compliments of our new location (20 away from Chicago IL).  A CT scan was ordered to check for a clogged sinus cavity, I was put on zyrtec-D and sent home.  My CT scan showed no sinus blockage, but indicated a possible Chiari 1 malformation.  My Dr. blew it off, said that I was probably born with it, that it only shows symptoms in childhood, so I would never have any problems.  After doing my own research and finding this site, I am for sure WAY more concerned.  I have made another Dr. appt. and am going to insist on an MRI for definative diagnoses, and a referral to a Nuerologist that specializes in my situation.  The zyrtec-D did take the headaches away.  But the dizzyness is still there, and occasionally I get numbness in my upper arms.  I currently have 3 children all c-sections.  Before my CT findings, my husband and I were talking about one last baby to complete our family.  I want the MRI and an appt. with a specialist before I get pregnant.  But I was just wondering if getting pregnant would make symptoms worse?  I am also having 2nd thoughts now that I know it can be passed on.  Do you have any advice for me?

[selmaS]

  U r so welcome...and something else I wanted to add that Nurse also goes out on lectures with Dr Oro...he is a chiari Dr and he wrote a poem we have at the top of  the forum under Important Announcements...here is the link-http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Chiari-Malformation/So-I-Say-poem-by-Dr-John-Oro-a-Dr-that-truly-understands/show/1136687

  This helps all around us understand how we feel, and gives us hope we will find a Dr that understands.

   "slema"

[jessica537]

Thank you guys so much for your responses.  I am so glad that I stumbled upon this site.  I gotta say I wasn't to worried after I left my Dr's office with my CT results, and the news of my mild chiari malformation diagnosis.  I wish I hadn't of waited 3 weeks to look it up on the net for myself.  I gotta say I broke down and cried to my husband, I was and still am so scared.  But the more I read about this, and see all your posts for some reason I just feel better.  It is still scary, but a few days ago I was feeling like my whole life was going to change, and forever be altered.  Now I am feeling like that is not necessarily the case.  Yes I for sure will be changing some things, but not my entire life.  I am going to continue to have fun with my children, and take our nightly walks as a family, and hug and squeeze my kids.  Will there be that one last baby to complete our family.  I will wait until I get my MRI and see a specialist, but I sure hope so........  Thank you all again for your posts.  I am sure you will be hearing from me again.  I hope everyone is feeling well tonight.  And thank you SelmaS for the book title and author, I will be picking that up if we decide to have another one.  

Very greatful for all the kind words

Jessica

[linnielou232]

I was told through the Dr.'s I have seen that Chairi isn't heretitary.  I never knew I had it until I was in my 30's.  That's when all my symptoms began.
I wish you well and making the right decision on having another child.  Making decision's like this can be life altering.  Best of luck

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Far too many Drs do not have a clue as to how this condition can affect us well into adulthood....yes, we have had it since birth, but so  many of the symptoms we have had all that time too and look upon as "normal" and do not report as a symptom. Not until symptoms progress and we learn more about chiari can we begin to see all the dots to connect.

For some with Chiari giving birth or just being pregnant can have an affect on our symptoms....and once we know that we have chiari we r advised to have C-sections as opposed to natural childbirth...the strain of pushing is not good for us.

I had issues after having my DD and I did not have ne idea I had chiari...it all makes sense now...hindsight is usually easy to figure out....

There is a book on Chiari and Pregnancy that u should look into by  Diane M. Mueller, N.D., R.N.

Hope this helps : )

  "selma"

[cash242]

I have 2 children and my symptoms did not start until I became pregnant with my 2nd and for whatever reason she rocked my world (wouldnt change it and blessed to have her).  I have met several other women with chiari that all of their symptoms decreased dramatically after having a child.  I would love to have a dr explain how chiari affects our hormones and vise versa as I have no doubt that it does but there is no solid evidence that pregnancy would make it worse for you as chiari affects all of us so differently,  Do get the MRI so that you have more information to make a decision. Best of luck!